Apparatus and Method for Protecting Media Content Rights

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to maintain content rights parameters associated with media content and a user where the content rights parameters include limits to distribution of the media content to a plurality of communication devices associated with the user and where a portion of the plurality of communication devices use different communication protocols from another portion of the plurality of communication devices, monitor for access to the media content by one communication device of the plurality of communication devices of the user, and obtain rights control data that is adapted to allow for presentation of the media content by the one communication device of the user where the rights control data is generated based on the content rights parameters. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/052,180, filed Feb. 24, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/265,237, filed Nov. 5, 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,300,667), which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems andmore specifically to an apparatus and method for protecting mediacontent rights.

BACKGROUND

Networks are continuously expanding their abilities to distribute mediacontent to users, as well as their capabilities for presentation of themedia content. Users often have multiple devices for presenting themedia content, which can include fixed devices and mobile devices. Thesedevices can operate using a number of different communication protocolsand often can receive a variety of formats of the media content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal interacting withat least one among the communication systems of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication deviceutilized in the communication systems of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system thatprovides media services;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating inportions of the communication systems of FIGS. 1-4 and 7; and

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a computer-readablestorage medium. The storage medium can include computer instructions formonitoring for media content that is distributable where the mediacontent is adapted for distribution to a plurality of communicationdevices that are associated with a user and where a portion of theplurality of communication devices use different communication protocolsfrom another portion of the plurality of communication devices, maintaincontent rights parameters associated with the media content and the userwhere the content rights parameters include limits to the distributionof the media content to the plurality of communication devices of theuser, monitoring for access to the media content by one communicationdevice of the plurality of communication devices of the user,determining presentation rights for a presentation of the media contentby the one communication device based on the content rights parameters,and transmitting rights control data from the rights management serverto the one communication device where the rights control data isgenerated based on the presentation rights and is adapted to allow forpresentation of the media content by the one communication device of theuser.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a server havinga controller to maintain content rights parameters associated with mediacontent and a user where the content rights parameters include limits todistribution of the media content to a plurality of communicationdevices associated with the user and where a portion of the plurality ofcommunication devices use different communication protocols from anotherportion of the plurality of communication devices, monitor for access tothe media content by one communication device of the plurality ofcommunication devices of the user, and obtain rights control data thatis adapted to allow for presentation of the media content by the onecommunication device of the user where the rights control data isgenerated based on the content rights parameters.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a serverhaving a controller to maintain content rights parameters associatedwith media content and a user where the content rights parametersinclude limits to distribution of the media content to a plurality ofcommunication devices associated with the user and where a portion ofthe plurality of communication devices using different communicationprotocols from another portion of the plurality of communicationdevices, generate rights control data based on the content rightsparameters that is adapted to allow for presentation of the mediacontent by a target communication device of the plurality ofcommunication devices of the user where the target communication deviceis seeking access to the media content, and transmit the rights controldata to the target communication device.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a serverhaving a controller to monitor for media content that is distributablewhere the media content is adapted for distribution to a plurality ofcommunication devices that are associated with a user and where aportion of the plurality of communication devices uses differentcommunication protocols from another portion of the plurality ofcommunication devices, maintain content rights parameters associatedwith the media content and the user where the content rights parametersincludes limits to the distribution of the media content to theplurality of communication devices of the user based on a type ofcommunication protocol used by the plurality of communication devices,monitor for access to the media content by one communication device ofthe plurality of communication devices of the user, generate rightscontrol data based on the content rights parameters that is adapted toallow for presentation of the media content by the one communicationdevice of the plurality of communication devices of the user, andtransmit the rights control data to the one communication device.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a methodincluding maintaining content rights parameters associated with mediacontent and a user where the content rights parameters includes limitsto distribution of the media content to a plurality of communicationdevices associated with the user and where a portion of the plurality ofcommunication devices uses different communication protocols fromanother portion of the plurality of communication devices, monitoringfor access to the media content by one communication device of theplurality of communication devices of the user, obtaining rights controldata that is adapted to allow for presentation of the media content bythe one communication device of the user where the rights control databeing generated based on the content rights parameters, and transmittingthe rights control data to the one communication device of the user.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 100 for delivering media content. The communication system 100can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast mediasystem. In a typical IPTV infrastructure, there is a super head-endoffice (SHO) with at least one super headend office server (SHS) whichreceives national media programs from satellite and/or media serversfrom service providers of multimedia broadcast channels. In the presentcontext, media programs can represent audio content, moving imagecontent such as videos, still image content, and/or combinationsthereof. The SHS server forwards IP packets associated with the mediacontent to video head-end servers (VHS) via a network of aggregationpoints such as video head-end offices (VHO) according to a commonmulticast communication method.

The VHS then distributes multimedia broadcast programs via an accessnetwork to commercial and/or residential buildings 102 housing a gateway104 (such as a residential gateway or RG). The access network canrepresent a bank of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs)located in a central office or a service area interface that providebroadband services over optical links or copper twisted pairs tobuildings 102. The gateway 104 distributes broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 106 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast selections to media devices 108 such as computers ortelevision sets managed in some instances by a media controller 107(such as an infrared or RF remote control). Unicast traffic can also beexchanged between the media processors 106 and subsystems of the IPTVmedia system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD). It will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the media devices108 and/or portable communication devices 116 shown in FIG. 1 can be anintegral part of the media processor 106 and can be communicativelycoupled to the gateway 104. In this particular embodiment, an integraldevice such as described can receive, respond, process and presentmulticast or unicast media content.

The IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices130 a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing portalservices over an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 132 to fixedline media devices 108 or portable communication devices 116 by way of awireless access point 117 providing Wireless Fidelity or WiFi services,or cellular communication services (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX,etc.).

A satellite broadcast television system can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 115can be intercepted by a satellite dish receiver 131 coupled to building102 which conveys media signals to the media processors 106. The mediareceivers 106 can be equipped with a broadband port to the ISP network132. Although not shown, the communication system 100 can also becombined or replaced with analog or digital broadcast distributionssystems such as cable TV systems.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a second communicationsystem 200 for delivering media content. Communication system 200 can beoverlaid or operably coupled with communication system 100 as anotherrepresentative embodiment of said communication system. The system 200includes a distribution switch/router system 228 at a central office218. The distribution switch/router system 228 receives video data via amulticast television stream 230 from a second distribution switch/router234 at an intermediate office 220. The multicast television stream 230includes Internet Protocol (IP) data packets addressed to a multicast IPaddress associated with a television channel. The distributionswitch/router system 228 can cache data associated with each televisionchannel received from the intermediate office 220.

The distribution switch/router system 228 also receives unicast datatraffic from the intermediate office 220 via a unicast traffic stream232. The unicast traffic stream 232 includes data packets related todevices located at a particular residence, such as the residence 202.For example, the unicast traffic stream 232 can include data trafficrelated to a digital subscriber line, a telephone line, another dataconnection, or any combination thereof. To illustrate, the unicasttraffic stream 232 can communicate data packets to and from a telephone212 associated with a subscriber at the residence 202. The telephone 212can be a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone. To furtherillustrate, the unicast traffic stream 232 can communicate data packetsto and from a personal computer 210 at the residence 202 via one or moredata routers 208. In an additional illustration, the unicast trafficstream 232 can communicate data packets to and from a set-top boxdevice, such as the set-top box devices 204, 206. The unicast trafficstream 232 can communicate data packets to and from the devices locatedat the residence 202 via one or more residential gateways 214 associatedwith the residence 202.

The distribution switch/router system 228 can send data to one or moreaccess switch/router systems 226. The access switch/router system 226can include or be included within a service area interface 216. In aparticular embodiment, the access switch/router system 226 can include aDSLAM. The access switch/router system 226 can receive data from thedistribution switch/router system 228 via a broadcast television (BTV)stream 222 and a plurality of unicast subscriber traffic streams 224.The BTV stream 222 can be used to communicate video data packetsassociated with a multicast stream.

For example, the BTV stream 222 can include a multicast virtual localarea network (VLAN) connection between the distribution switch/routersystem 228 and the access switch/router system 226. Each of theplurality of subscriber traffic streams 224 can be used to communicatesubscriber specific data packets. For example, the first subscribertraffic stream can communicate data related to a first subscriber, andthe nth subscriber traffic stream can communicate data related to an nthsubscriber. Each subscriber to the system 200 can be associated with arespective subscriber traffic stream 224. The subscriber traffic stream224 can include a subscriber VLAN connection between the distributionswitch/router system 228 and the access switch/router system 226 that isassociated with a particular set-top box device 204, 206, a particularresidence 202, a particular residential gateway 214, another deviceassociated with a subscriber, or any combination thereof.

In an illustrative embodiment, a set-top box device, such as the set-topbox device 204, receives a channel change command from an input device,such as a remoter control device. The channel change command canindicate selection of an IPTV channel. After receiving the channelchange command, the set-top box device 204 generates channel selectiondata that indicates the selection of the IPTV channel The set-top boxdevice 204 can send the channel selection data to the accessswitch/router system 226 via the residential gateway 214. The channelselection data can include an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)Join request. In an illustrative embodiment, the access switch/routersystem 226 can identify whether it is joined to a multicast groupassociated with the requested channel based on information in the IGMPJoin request.

If the access switch/router system 226 is not joined to the multicastgroup associated with the requested channel, the access switch/routersystem 226 can generate a multicast stream request. The multicast streamrequest can be generated by modifying the received channel selectiondata. In an illustrative embodiment, the access switch/router system 226can modify an IGMP Join request to produce a proxy IGMP Join request.The access switch/router system 226 can send the multicast streamrequest to the distribution switch/router system 228 via the BTV stream222. In response to receiving the multicast stream request, thedistribution switch/router system 228 can send a stream associated withthe requested channel to the access switch/router system 226 via the BTVstream 222.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a third communicationsystem 300 for delivering media content. Communication system 300 can beoverlaid or operably coupled with communication systems 100-200 asanother representative embodiment of said communication systems. Asshown, the system 300 can include a client facing tier 302, anapplication tier 304, an acquisition tier 306, and an operations andmanagement tier 308. Each tier 302, 304, 306, 308 is coupled to aprivate network 310, such as a network of common packet-switched routersand/or switches; to a public network 312, such as the Internet; or toboth the private network 310 and the public network 312. For example,the client-facing tier 302 can be coupled to the private network 310.Further, the application tier 304 can be coupled to the private network310 and to the public network 312. The acquisition tier 306 can also becoupled to the private network 310 and to the public network 312.Additionally, the operations and management tier 308 can be coupled tothe public network 312.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the various tiers 302, 304, 306, 308communicate with each other via the private network 310 and the publicnetwork 312. For instance, the client-facing tier 302 can communicatewith the application tier 304 and the acquisition tier 306 via theprivate network 310. The application tier 304 can communicate with theacquisition tier 306 via the private network 310. Further, theapplication tier 304 can communicate with the acquisition tier 306 andthe operations and management tier 308 via the public network 312.Moreover, the acquisition tier 306 can communicate with the operationsand management tier 308 via the public network 312. In a particularembodiment, elements of the application tier 304, including, but notlimited to, a client gateway 350, can communicate directly with theclient-facing tier 302.

The client-facing tier 302 can communicate with user equipment via anaccess network 366, such as an IPTV access network. In an illustrativeembodiment, customer premises equipment (CPE) 314, 322 can be coupled toa local switch, router, or other device of the access network 366. Theclient-facing tier 302 can communicate with a first representativeset-top box device 316 via the first CPE 314 and with a secondrepresentative set-top box device 324 via the second CPE 322. In aparticular embodiment, the first representative set-top box device 316and the first CPE 314 can be located at a first customer premise, andthe second representative set-top box device 324 and the second CPE 322can be located at a second customer premise.

In another particular embodiment, the first representative set-top boxdevice 316 and the second representative set-top box device 324 can belocated at a single customer premise, both coupled to one of the CPE314, 322. The CPE 314, 322 can include routers, local area networkdevices, modems, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, any othersuitable devices for facilitating communication between a set-top boxdevice and the access network 366, or any combination thereof.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 302 can be coupledto the CPE 314, 322 via fiber optic cables. In another illustrativeembodiment, the CPE 314, 322 can include DSL modems that are coupled toone or more network nodes via twisted pairs, and the client-facing tier302 can be coupled to the network nodes via fiber-optic cables. Eachset-top box device 316, 324 can process data received via the accessnetwork 366, via a common IPTV software platform.

The first set-top box device 316 can be coupled to a first externaldisplay device, such as a first television monitor 318, and the secondset-top box device 324 can be coupled to a second external displaydevice, such as a second television monitor 326. Moreover, the firstset-top box device 316 can communicate with a first remote control 320,and the second set-top box device 324 can communicate with a secondremote control 328. The set-top box devices 316, 324 can include IPTVset-top box devices; video gaming devices or consoles that are adaptedto receive IPTV content; personal computers or other computing devicesthat are adapted to emulate set-top box device functionalities; anyother device adapted to receive IPTV content and transmit data to anIPTV system via an access network; or any combination thereof.

In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, each set-top box device316, 324 can receive data, video, or any combination thereof, from theclient-facing tier 302 via the access network 366 and render or displaythe data, video, or any combination thereof, at the display device 318,326 to which it is coupled. In an illustrative embodiment, the set-topbox devices 316, 324 can include tuners that receive and decodetelevision programming signals or packet streams for transmission to thedisplay devices 318, 326. Further, the set-top box devices 316, 324 caneach include a STB processor 370 and a STB memory device 372 that isaccessible to the STB processor 370. In one embodiment, a computerprogram, such as the STB computer program 374, can be embedded withinthe STB memory device 372.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 302 can include aclient-facing tier (CFT) switch 330 that manages communication betweenthe client-facing tier 302 and the access network 366 and between theclient-facing tier 302 and the private network 310. As illustrated, theCFT switch 330 is coupled to one or more distribution servers, such asDistribution-servers (D-servers) 332, that store, format, encode,replicate, or otherwise manipulate or prepare video content forcommunication from the client-facing tier 302 to the set-top box devices316, 324. The CFT switch 330 can also be coupled to a terminal server334 that provides terminal devices with a point of connection to theIPTV system 300 via the client-facing tier 302.

In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch 330 can be coupled to a VoDserver 336 that stores or provides VoD content imported by the IPTVsystem 300. Further, the CFT switch 330 is coupled to one or more videoservers 380 that receive video content and transmit the content to theset-top boxes 316, 324 via the access network 366. The client-facingtier 302 may include a CPE management server 382 that managescommunications to and from the CPE 314 and the CPE 322. For example, theCPE management server 382 may collect performance data associated withthe set-top box devices 316, 324 from the CPE 314 or the CPE 322 andforward the collected performance data to a server associated with theoperations and management tier 308.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 302 cancommunicate with a large number of set-top boxes, such as therepresentative set-top boxes 316, 324, over a wide geographic area, suchas a metropolitan area, a viewing area, a statewide area, a regionalarea, a nationwide area or any other suitable geographic area, marketarea, or subscriber or customer group that can be supported bynetworking the client-facing tier 302 to numerous set-top box devices.In a particular embodiment, the CFT switch 330, or any portion thereof,can include a multicast router or switch that communicates with multipleset-top box devices via a multicast-enabled network.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the application tier 304 can communicate withboth the private network 310 and the public network 312. The applicationtier 304 can include a first application tier (APP) switch 338 and asecond APP switch 340. In a particular embodiment, the first APP switch338 can be coupled to the second APP switch 340. The first APP switch338 can be coupled to an application server 342 and to an OSS/BSSgateway 344. In a particular embodiment, the application server 342 canprovide applications to the set-top box devices 316, 324 via the accessnetwork 366, which enable the set-top box devices 316, 324 to providefunctions, such as interactive program guides, video gaming, display,messaging, processing of VoD material and other IPTV content, etc. In anillustrative embodiment, the application server 342 can provide locationinformation to the set-top box devices 316, 324. In a particularembodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 344 includes operation systems andsupport (OSS) data, as well as billing systems and support (BSS) data.In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 344 can provide or restrictaccess to an OSS/BSS server 364 that stores operations and billingsystems data.

The second APP switch 340 can be coupled to a domain controller 346 thatprovides Internet access, for example, to users at their computers 368via the public network 312. For example, the domain controller 346 canprovide remote Internet access to IPTV account information, e-mail,personalized Internet services, or other online services via the publicnetwork 312. In addition, the second APP switch 340 can be coupled to asubscriber and system store 348 that includes account information, suchas account information that is associated with users who access the IPTVsystem 300 via the private network 310 or the public network 312. In anillustrative embodiment, the subscriber and system store 348 can storesubscriber or customer data and create subscriber or customer profilesthat are associated with IP addresses, stock-keeping unit (SKU) numbers,other identifiers, or any combination thereof, of corresponding set-topbox devices 316, 324. In another illustrative embodiment, the subscriberand system store can store data associated with capabilities of set-topbox devices associated with particular customers.

In a particular embodiment, the application tier 304 can include aclient gateway 350 that communicates data directly to the client-facingtier 302. In this embodiment, the client gateway 350 can be coupleddirectly to the CFT switch 330. The client gateway 350 can provide useraccess to the private network 310 and the tiers coupled thereto. In anillustrative embodiment, the set-top box devices 316, 324 can access theIPTV system 300 via the access network 366, using information receivedfrom the client gateway 350. User devices can access the client gateway350 via the access network 366, and the client gateway 350 can allowsuch devices to access the private network 310 once the devices areauthenticated or verified. Similarly, the client gateway 350 can preventunauthorized devices, such as hacker computers or stolen set-top boxdevices from accessing the private network 310, by denying access tothese devices beyond the access network 366.

For example, when the first representative set-top box device 316accesses the client-facing tier 302 via the access network 366, theclient gateway 350 can verify subscriber information by communicatingwith the subscriber and system store 348 via the private network 310.Further, the client gateway 350 can verify billing information andstatus by communicating with the OSS/BSS gateway 344 via the privatenetwork 310. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 344 can transmit aquery via the public network 312 to the OSS/BSS server 364. After theclient gateway 350 confirms subscriber and/or billing information, theclient gateway 350 can allow the set-top box device 316 to access IPTVcontent and VoD content at the client-facing tier 302. If the clientgateway 350 cannot verify subscriber information for the set-top boxdevice 316, because it is connected to an unauthorized twisted pair, theclient gateway 350 can block transmissions to and from the set-top boxdevice 316 beyond the access network 366.

As indicated in FIG. 3, the acquisition tier 306 includes an acquisitiontier (AQT) switch 352 that communicates with the private network 310.The AQT switch 352 can also communicate with the operations andmanagement tier 308 via the public network 312. In a particularembodiment, the AQT switch 352 can be coupled to one or more liveAcquisition-servers (A-servers) 354 that receive or acquire televisioncontent, movie content, advertisement content, other video content, orany combination thereof, from a broadcast service 356, such as asatellite acquisition system or satellite head-end office. In aparticular embodiment, the live acquisition server 354 can transmitcontent to the AQT switch 352, and the AQT switch 352 can transmit thecontent to the CFT switch 330 via the private network 310.

In an illustrative embodiment, content can be transmitted to theD-servers 332, where it can be encoded, formatted, stored, replicated,or otherwise manipulated and prepared for communication from the videoserver(s) 380 to the set-top box devices 316, 324. The CFT switch 330can receive content from the video server(s) 380 and communicate thecontent to the CPE 314, 322 via the access network 366. The set-top boxdevices 316, 324 can receive the content via the CPE 314, 322, and cantransmit the content to the television monitors 318, 326. In anillustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of the content can bestreamed to the set-top box devices 316, 324.

Further, the AQT switch 352 can be coupled to a video-on-demand importerserver 358 that receives and stores television or movie content receivedat the acquisition tier 306 and communicates the stored content to theVoD server 336 at the client-facing tier 302 via the private network310. Additionally, at the acquisition tier 306, the VoD importer server358 can receive content from one or more VoD sources outside the IPTVsystem 300, such as movie studios and programmers of non-live content.The VoD importer server 358 can transmit the VoD content to the AQTswitch 352, and the AQT switch 352, in turn, can communicate thematerial to the CFT switch 330 via the private network 310. The VoDcontent can be stored at one or more servers, such as the VoD server336.

When users issue requests for VoD content via the set-top box devices316, 324, the requests can be transmitted over the access network 366 tothe VoD server 336, via the CFT switch 330. Upon receiving suchrequests, the VoD server 336 can retrieve the requested VoD content andtransmit the content to the set-top box devices 316, 324 across theaccess network 366, via the CFT switch 330. The set-top box devices 316,324 can transmit the VoD content to the television monitors 318, 326. Inan illustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of VoD content canbe streamed to the set-top box devices 316, 324.

FIG. 3 further illustrates that the operations and management tier 308can include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch 360 thatconducts communication between the operations and management tier 308and the public network 312. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3, theOMT switch 360 is coupled to a TV2 server 362. Additionally, the OMTswitch 360 can be coupled to an OSS/BSS server 364 and to a simplenetwork management protocol monitor 386 that monitors network deviceswithin or coupled to the IPTV system 300. In a particular embodiment,the OMT switch 360 can communicate with the AQT switch 352 via thepublic network 312.

The OSS/BSS server 364 may include a cluster of servers, such as one ormore CPE data collection servers that are adapted to request and storeoperations systems data, such as performance data from the set-top boxdevices 316, 324. In an illustrative embodiment, the CPE data collectionservers may be adapted to analyze performance data to identify acondition of a physical component of a network path associated with aset-top box device, to predict a condition of a physical component of anetwork path associated with a set-top box device, or any combinationthereof.

In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server 354 cantransmit content to the AQT switch 352, and the AQT switch 352, in turn,can transmit the content to the OMT switch 360 via the public network312. In this embodiment, the OMT switch 360 can transmit the content tothe TV2 server 362 for display to users accessing the user interface atthe TV2 server 362. For example, a user can access the TV2 server 362using a personal computer 368 coupled to the public network 312.

It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from theforegoing media communication system embodiments that other suitablemedia communication systems for distributing broadcast media content aswell as peer-to-peer exchange of content can be applied to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 400employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture.Communication system 400 can be overlaid or operably coupled withcommunication systems 100-300 as another representative embodiment ofsaid communication systems.

The communication system 400 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)440, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 430, and network elementsof an IMS network 450. The IMS network 450 can be coupled to IMScompliant communication devices (CD) 401, 402 or a Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN) CD 403 using a Media Gateway Control Function(MGCF) 420 that connects the call through a common PSTN network 460.

IMS CDs 401, 402 register with the IMS network 450 by contacting a ProxyCall Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with acorresponding Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with anAuthentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) supported by the HSS440. To accomplish a communication session between CDs, an originatingIMS CD 401 can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) messageto an originating P-CSCF 404 which communicates with a correspondingoriginating S-CSCF 406. The originating S-CSCF 406 can submit the SIPINVITE message to an application server (AS) such as reference 410 thatcan provide a variety of services to IMS subscribers. For example, theapplication server 410 can be used to perform originating treatmentfunctions on the calling party number received by the originating S-CSCF406 in the SIP INVITE message.

Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, and/or isrequesting special telephony features (such as *72 forward calls, *73cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on).Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 406 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 430 to translate an E.164 telephone number to a SIP UniformResource Identifier (URI) if the targeted communication device is IMScompliant. If the targeted communication device is a PSTN device, theENUM system 430 will respond with an unsuccessful address resolution andthe S-CSCF 406 will forward the call to the MGCF 420 via a BreakoutGateway Control Function (BGCF) 419.

When the ENUM server 430 returns a SIP URI, the SIP URI is used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 407 to submit a query to the HSS 440 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 414 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 402. Once identified, the I-CSCF 407 can submit theSIP INVITE to the terminating S-CSCF 414 which can call on anapplication server 411 similar to reference 410 to perform theoriginating treatment telephony functions described earlier. Theterminating S-CSCF 414 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 416associated with the terminating CD 402. The P-CSCF 416 then signals theCD 402 to establish communications. The aforementioned process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 4 can be interchanged.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal 530. The portal530 can be used for managing services of communication systems 100-400.The portal 530 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) witha common Internet browser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer using anInternet-capable communication device such as references 108, 116, or210 of FIGS. 1-2. The portal 530 can be configured to access a mediaprocessor such as references 106, 204, 206, 316, and 324 of FIGS. 1-3and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), anElectronic Programming Guide (EPG), VoD catalog, a personal catalog(such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored inthe STB, a personal computer or server in a user's home or office, andso on.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication device 600.Communication device 600 can be a representative portion of any of theaforementioned communication devices of FIGS. 1-4. The communicationdevice 604 can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver 602(herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, a power supply 614,a location receiver 616, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as a Bluetooth wireless accessprotocol, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) access protocol, a Digital EnhancedCordless Telecommunications (DECT) wireless access protocol, cellular,software defined radio (SDR) and/or WiMAX technologies, just to mentiona few. Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X,UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, and next generation technologiesas they arise.

The transceiver 602 can also support common wireline access technologiessuch as circuit-switched wireline access technologies, packet-switchedwireline access technologies, or combinations thereof. PSTN canrepresent one of the common circuit-switched wireline accesstechnologies. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and IP datacommunications can represent some of the commonly availablepacket-switched wireline access technologies. The transceiver 602 canalso be adapted to support IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) protocol forinterfacing to an IMS network that can combine PSTN and VoIPcommunication technologies.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 and anavigation mechanism such as a roller ball, joystick, mouse, and/ornavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wiring interface (such as a USB) or a wirelessinterface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad 608 can representa numeric dialing keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a Qwerty keypadwith alphanumeric keys.

The UI 604 can further include a display 610 such as monochrome or colorLCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) orother suitable display technology for conveying images to the end userof the communication device 600. In an embodiment where the display 610is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad 608 can be presentedby way of the display. The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612that utilizes common audio technology for conveying low volume audio(such as audio heard only in the proximity of a human ear) and highvolume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audiosystem 612 can further include a microphone for receiving audiblesignals of an end user.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy tothe components of the communication device 600 to facilitate long-rangeor short-range portable applications. In one embodiment, the device 600can be a battery-operated mobile multi-mode device. The locationreceiver 616 utilize common location technology such as a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver for identifying a location of thecommunication device 100, thereby facilitating common location servicessuch as navigation. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor and/or digital signal processor(DSP) with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAMor other storage technologies.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication system 700 fordelivering media content to communication devices associated with auser. The communication system 700 can represent an IPTV broadcast mediasystem with multiple user display devices. Communication system 700 canbe overlaid or operably coupled with communication systems 100-400 asanother representative embodiment of said communication systems.

System 700 can include a network, such as ISP network 132 of FIG. 1, fordelivery of the media content between the provider equipment (such aslocated at the video head office) and the customer's equipment, such asthe gateway located at a residence. This exemplary embodiment shows amedia server 705 for delivery of the media content to a plurality ofcommunication devices, such as STB 706 having display device 710, mobiledevice 720, and desktop computer 730, which are associated with a userand/or a user group. The present disclosure contemplates variouscomponents and configurations being utilized for the delivery of mediacontent, including centralized or distributed configurations. A numberof network devices, including Ethernet switches, DSLAMs and other accessdevices can be utilized for transmitting the media content from themedia server 705 to the communication devices 706, 720, 730. The mediaserver 705 can utilize a number of connection structures for providing acommunication link with the communication devices 706, 720, 730,including twisted pair lines, fiber lines and/or wireless connections.For example, a fiber optic coupling can include one GigE and ten GigElinks connected to a fiber optic ring, such as a reconfigurable opticaladd-drop multiplexer (ROADM), which provide media services to aresidence via a VHO comprising the media server 705. A portion of thecommunication devices of the user can receive media content usingcommunication protocols that are different from another portion of thedevices, such as a mobile cell phone that receives a video by way ofWiFi protocol and a set top box that receives the video by way of a DSLprotocol.

System 700 can include a Digital Rights Management System (DRMS) 750operably connected to the server 705. The DRMS 750 can be incommunication with one or more of the communication devices 706, 720,730 directly and/or through the media server 705. The DRMS 750 orportions thereof can be in communication with the media server 705and/or portions of the network by way of wired and/or wireless links.The DRMS 750 can include, or otherwise have access to, a ContentCapability Matrix 755 having content rights parameters.

The present disclosure contemplates that various components of system700 can be separate components or one or more of these components can beincorporated together, such as the media server 705 being part of theDRMS 750, including running an application thereon that includes, orotherwise has access to, the CCM 755. The present disclosure alsocontemplates other configurations for communication between the DRMS 750and the media server 705 including a decentralized system and/or amaster-slave arrangement between intermediary communication devicescoupling the media server with the DRMS.

In one embodiment, the CCM 755 can define or otherwise provideinformation that allows for the propagation of a user's rights to mediacontent, such as based on the access channel being utilized. The CCM 755can be provisioned and specified by the DRMS 750, such as a ContentRights Server application, and can be used to communicate various user'srights associated with the media content. User profiles 760 forindividual users or for groups of users can be maintained and updatedwhich includes various information associated with the user and his orher communication devices, including identification, presence,preferences, purchases, usage history and so forth.

In one embodiment, the CCM 755 can specify rights as follows for aparticular media content for a designated user: displayable,previewable, purchaseable, and/or consumeable rights. In anotherembodiment, the CCM 755 can specify the purchased state of the mediacontent for a specific user. In another embodiment, system 700 providesfor a three screen client application (such as web portal, TV,mobile/cell phone, PMP) that utilizes the CCM 755 to regulate the user'sright to display (such as based on the displayable attribute), sample(such as based on the previewable attribute), purchase (such as based onthe purchaseable attribute) and consume (such as based on theconsumeable attribute) a particular media content (such as VoD,ringtone) or a portion thereof on specific access channels (such as Webportal, TV, mobile/cell phone, PMP).

System 700 can provide for specifying and enforcing content rightsacross multi-screen applications, such as through use of the CCM 755. Inone embodiment, the CCM 755 can be a multi-dimensional model used topropagate rights associated with the media content, enabling the clientapplications to enforce access rights to the content appropriately. Theconsumable rights attribute can be utilized for enforcing the user'sentitlement to playback or consume the content on a particular platform(Web, TV, mobile/cell phone, PMP). In one embodiment, media content canbe encoded/formatted to play on certain mediums, and the consumeablerights attribute enforces that limitation. The purchaseable rightsattribute can regulate the user's ability to purchase the content basedon the medium (such as web-only purchaseable content). The displayablerights attribute can regulate the ability to render or present thecontent to the user. For example, community standards/regulatory rulesmay disallow presentation of adult content on the TV in certain U.S.geographical areas. Using the displayable rights attribute, mediacontent can be rendered or masked based on the access medium. Thepreviewable attribute can regulate the user's ability to playbacksamples of the content (such as trailers/sneak previews for VoDs,previews of ringtones). The purchased state attribute or flag canprovide to the three screen client application, the current purchasestate (such as purchased on TV) of the media content. All of theattributes combined in the CCM 755 can be used to regulate access,control and rights to three screen content across the Web, TV,mobile/cell phone and PMP access channels.

In one embodiment, the DRMS 750 can be in communication with and/or canbe integral with a topology database 765 that includes informationrelated to the topology of the network. For example, the topologydatabase can be utilized for monitoring the dynamic nature of thenetwork topology, such as through retrieving topology database from eachof the network elements at various time frames, including at the time ofgoing on-line or in anticipation of going off-line. The topologyinformation can be utilized in combination with presence informationassociated with the communication devices 706, 720, 730 for determininglocal restrictions of viewing content and so forth.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary method 800 operating in portions of thecommunication systems 100, 200, 300, 400, and/or 700. Method 800 hasvariants as depicted by the dashed lines. It would be apparent to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments notdepicted in FIG. 8 are possible without departing from the scope of theclaims described below.

Method 800 can begin with step 802 in which the DRMS 750 monitors fordistributable media content. For example, the VHO can receive new mediacontent, including VoD and so forth. The DRMS 750 can receive anotification of the media content, including identification informationand content parameters, such as distribution rights, rating, and soforth. The monitoring can be performed using a number of techniques,including polling by the DRMS 750 of media content sources. The mediacontent can be from various sources and be of various forms, includinglimited distribution content, such as home videos or audio recordingsand so forth. In step 804, the DRMS 750 can populate or otherwise updatethe CCM 755 based on the new media content. The CCM can include variousinformation associated with the media content including the attributesof displayable, previewable, purchaseable, consumeable and/or purchasedstate for a designated user. In one embodiment in step 806, the DRMS 750can access, or otherwise obtain information from, a topology databaseassociated with the designated user. For instance, the topology databasecan include local restrictions on displaying media content and caninclude presence and/or location information associated with the user'scommunication device so that enforcement of the displayable attributecan be facilitated.

In step 808, the DRMS 750 can determine if an access adjustmentassociated with media content has been made by a user. If an accessadjustment is being made then method 800 can proceed to step 810 foradjusting a user profile associated with the user, otherwise the methodcan return to step 802 to monitor for new distributable media content.The access adjustment can be various types that are associated with auser accessing media content. For instance, the DRMS 750 can determineif a user has purchased media content, such as VoD, and can furtherdetermine the particular communication device or platform through whichthe user made the purchase. As another example, the DRMS can determinewhether a user is attempting to access media content, such as a moviethat has been recorded on a DVR, and can further determine theparticular communication device or platform the user is utilizing forthe access. The user profile adjustment can indicate the status ofaccess to particular media content, such as when it was purchased, whatdevice was used, any limitations on distribution due to the purchaseoption chosen (such as purchasing a limited distribution copy at a lowerprice that only allows display on a single communication device of theuser).

In step 812, the DRSM can propagate Distribution Right Control (DRC)data to one or more of the communication devices associated with theuser based on the attributes of the CCM 755 and the user profile 760.The DRC data can be propagated to the communication devices when thecommunication devices seek to display or otherwise present the mediacontent so that the attributes associated with the media content can beenforced. The DRC data can be various types that provide control overpresentation of the media content by the communication device, includingcontrol instructions for presenting the media content, encryption keysor other information that allows for presentation of the media contentand so forth.

The consumable rights attribute can be utilized for enforcing the user'sentitlement to playback or consume the content on a particular platform.In one embodiment, media content can be encoded/formatted to play oncertain mediums, and the consumeable rights attribute enforces thatlimitation. The purchaseable rights attribute can regulate the user'sability to purchase the content based on the medium. The displayablerights attribute can regulate the ability to render or present thecontent to the user, such as based on location, time of day, and soforth. Using the displayable rights attribute, media content can berendered or masked based on the access medium. The previewable attributecan regulate the user's ability to playback samples of the content.

In one embodiment, the purchase state can be utilized for adjusting theaccess procedure for a user. For instance, the DRMS 750 can determinefrom the CCM 755 if the media content has been purchased based on thepurchase state, and the “play” button can be presented when the purchasehas been made. In another embodiment, if the media content was purchasedthrough a web interface then the distribution can be device or protocollimited, such as to presentation using IPTV protocol.

From the foregoing descriptions, it would be evident to an artisan withordinary skill in the art that the aforementioned embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. In one embodiment, the previewablematerial can be adjustable. For example, certain portions of thepreview, such as adult content, can be masked based on location of thecommunication device, time of day, and so forth. In another embodiment,the displayable attribute can be modified to limit display to particularcommunication devices of the user based on the location of the user. Forinstance, where a media source desires limited distribution of mediacontent in a designated geographical region, the DRMS 750 can use thedisplayable attribute to limit display to a single communication deviceof the user including a single type of platform (such as TV) when theuser communication devices are within the region and can allow fordisplay on other communication devices when those devices are outside ofthe region.

These are but a few examples of the modifications that can be applied tothe present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims.Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims for a fullerunderstanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosurewithout departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, thereader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding ofthe breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative diagrammatic representation of a machinein the form of a computer system 900 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 900 may include a processor 902 (such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), amain memory 904 and a static memory 906, which communicate with eachother via a bus 908. The computer system 900 may further include a videodisplay unit 910 (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)), a flat panel,a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system900 may include an input device 912 (such as a keyboard), a cursorcontrol device 914 (such as a mouse), a disk drive unit 916, a signalgeneration device 918 (such as a speaker or remote control) and anetwork interface device 920.

The disk drive unit 916 may include a computer-readable medium 922 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (such as software 924)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 924may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 904, the static memory 906, and/or within the processor 902during execution thereof by the computer system 900. The main memory 904and the processor 902 also may constitute computer-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 924, or that which receives and executes instructions 924from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 926 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 926 using the instructions 924. Theinstructions 924 may further be transmitted or received over a network926 via the network interface device 920.

While the computer-readable medium 922 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (such as acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any mediumthat is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructionsfor execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform anyone or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “computer-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (such as TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations comprising: monitoring for distributable media content,wherein the media content is adapted for distribution to a communicationdevice according to content rights parameters; generating rights controldata based on the content rights parameters; detecting an attempt toaccess the media content by the communication device; and transmittingthe rights control data to the communication device to control apresentation of the media content at the communication device, whereinthe content rights parameters are adapted to limit the presentation ofthe media content based on a time of day, a location of thecommunication device, a user location, or a combination thereof.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the monitoring comprises polling a pluralityof media content sources communicating with the device via a network. 3.The device of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise accessinga topology database including topology information regarding thenetwork, to obtain location information regarding the location of thecommunication device or the user location.
 4. The device of claim 3,wherein the location information comprises local restrictions on thepresentation of the media content.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein theoperations further comprise propagating the rights control data to aplurality of communication devices coupled to the network and associatedwith the user.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise adjusting the content rights parameters based on a purchase ofthe media content.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the distribution ofthe media content to the communication device is limited in accordancewith a type of communication protocol utilized by the communicationdevice.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise provisioning a content capability matrix with the contentrights parameters.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the operationsfurther comprise updating the content capability matrix based on newmedia content identified by the monitoring.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise updating a user profileassociated with the user.
 11. A method comprising: monitoring, by aprocessing system including a processor, for distributable mediacontent, wherein the media content is adapted for distribution to a usercommunication device according to content rights parameters; generating,by the processing system, rights control data based on the contentrights parameters; detecting, by the processing system, an attempt toaccess the media content by the user communication device; andtransmitting, by the processing system, the rights control data to theuser communication device to control a presentation of the media contentat the user communication device, wherein the content rights parametersare adapted to limit the presentation of the media content.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the presentation of the media content islimited based on a time of day, a location of the user communicationdevice, a user location, or a combination thereof.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the monitoring comprises polling a plurality of mediacontent sources communicating with the user communication device via anetwork.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising accessing, bythe processing system, a topology database including topologyinformation regarding the network.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinthe distribution of the media content to the user communication deviceis limited in accordance with a type of communication protocol utilizedby the user communication device.
 16. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising provisioning, by the processing system, a content capabilitymatrix with the content rights parameters.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising updating, by the processing system, the contentcapability matrix based on new media content identified by themonitoring.
 18. A machine-readable medium comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performanceof operations comprising: monitoring for distributable media content,wherein the media content is adapted for distribution to a communicationdevice via a network according to content rights parameters; generatingrights control data based on the content rights parameters; detecting anattempt to access the media content by the communication device; andtransmitting the rights control data to the communication device tocontrol a presentation of the media content at the communication device,wherein the content rights parameters are adapted to limit thepresentation of the media content based on a time of day, a location ofthe communication device, a user location, or a combination thereof. 19.The machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the operations furthercomprise accessing a topology database including topology informationregarding the network, to obtain location information regarding thelocation of the communication device or the user location.
 20. Themachine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the distribution of themedia content to the communication device is limited in accordance witha type of communication protocol utilized by the communication device.